Families Celebrate Opening of Cree Bilingual School in Saskatoon

Saskatoon welcomed a new educational milestone today with the grand opening of the awâsisak kâ-nîmîhtocik St. Francis School. This innovative institution, designed to promote Cree language and culture, marks a significant achievement for local families, particularly for those who have long advocated for such a facility. Among the first students to enter the school is Wolf Sutherland, who is celebrating both his birthday and the start of Grade 7 at the new school.

For Jayce Sutherland, a Grade 6 teacher at the school and Wolf’s mother, this moment represents a culmination of years of hope and perseverance. “This is more than what words can express,” she stated. “This is what parents thrive and wish for — a new school, especially with land-based cultural and language teaching.” Sutherland, who moved her family off-reserve over a decade ago, expressed that the new facility symbolizes the sacrifices made for her children’s education in their indigenous language.

The journey to this opening has not been easy. Parents faced years of challenges with outdated facilities, experiencing issues such as leaking roofs and inadequate spaces for gatherings. Many felt they were sacrificing opportunities for their children’s cultural education. “And now, when parents step into this school, I know there will be a lot of tears,” Sutherland remarked, highlighting the emotional weight of the day.

Design and Cultural Significance

Constructed with a budget of $15 million, the school features a design inspired by the northern lights, moving away from the traditional boxy structures associated with residential schools. Elders, families, students, and staff provided input throughout the design process, ensuring that the building reflects the community’s values. Cree syllabics adorn the exterior, and the entrance, facing east, is symbolic of new beginnings.

Inside, classrooms are organized into pods with garage-style doors that open into shared learning areas. Each floor of the school represents different themes tied to natural elements: Rock, Earth, and Human. Additionally, a bulkhead installation illustrates the constellations visible during the signing of Treaty 6 in 1876, and salvaged beams from the former Sion Middle School honor the site’s history.

Facilities such as a greenhouse for teaching about traditional medicines, a powwow arbor for cultural events, and a gymnasium for both sports and community gatherings further enhance the school’s role in the community. The Saskatoon Tribal Council operates a 72-space early learning centre on the main floor, ensuring educational support begins at a young age. The bus loop is also designed with families in mind, situated behind the building to minimize congestion during drop-offs and pick-ups.

A Legacy of Language and Culture

For Jayce Sutherland, the ability to introduce herself in Cree is a profound privilege. “Tansi niya oma Jayce Sutherland nisikahson. Beardy’s and Okemasis ohci niya. niya kiskinwahamakew ayaw nikotwasik awasisak ka-nimihtocik,” she recited, translating to “Hello, my name is Jayce Sutherland. I am from the Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation. I am a Grade 6 teacher at St. Francis Cree Bilingual School.” This connection to her ancestry is particularly meaningful, especially considering the historical context of language suppression.

While Wolf is excited about the new school, his older siblings, who attended the previous St. Francis schools, have mixed feelings. “My oldest asked why it took so long,” Sutherland shared. Her daughter Janessa, 13, is eager to experience the school for the first time, wanting an authentic experience rather than an early preview.

Wolf has already played a role in the school’s story, blessing the grounds before construction began and contributing to the grandfather rock that now stands at the entrance. Jayce reflected, “He was destined to be on this journey with me. Now he gets to start his Grade 7 year in a school we fought for together.”

The opening of awâsisak kâ-nîmîhtocik St. Francis School represents not just a new building but a vital step towards preserving and celebrating Cree language and culture in Saskatoon.